The *New* Grand Floridian Resort and Spa FAQ thread (NOV 2008)

[k&a&c'smom]

We're staying for the first time at GF in Sugar Loaf the 1st week of August. (previously years at the Poly and WL Deluxe CL) Any suggestions for a view for those of you in the know? Is it only pool vs. marina, and is the pool view too noisy?

Thanks!

Yes, the only views in SL are the quiet pool and the marina, but they are lovely views. I've had both views (the marina view was in Conch Key, though) and liked both views, I don't find the pool view to be too loud - but you are able to be seen by everyone at the pool. Here is a photo of the marina, but remember that this is one building down, the SL view is closer to the Gasparilla's end (the building you can see straight on):



I don't have a pool view looking from the SL building, but there are probably some on this thread.

 

[johnsonet]

... I don't find the pool view to be too loud - but you are able to be seen by everyone at the pool

That's SUCH pretty view k&a&c'smom

 

[PolynesianAlex]

OK -- this is my biggest fear for our upcoming trip. It's so much worse when you can see a hotel you love and aren't staying there. I'm really hoping that I'll love the Poly, too, since we're staying there for a week.

MelissaFromRI, say it isn't so...

I have the Opposite i always stay at the Poly and i am really looking forward to the RPC

 

[Happy Camper 222]

Thank you for the cabana information. Those sound great. I guess I should have really looked at the first page better. I would love to see pictures. I will go back and see what I can find.

I just made my reservation for a week in July at the Grand Floridian. I definitely want to have a couple cabana days. Does anybody know how far in advance I can reserve one? If I want two or three days can I reserve them at the same time in the same call?


Thank you.

Happy

 

[JediGFRMickey]

Welcome to the Dis Jedi Mickey- That is so cool your sister is there- I hope she has a great trip!!!-- And thanks for the info on the online checkin- I am not sure I would use it- I LOVE the interaction with the CM's at check in. They are so great at the Grand!!!

MrsNesbitt- July and August are about as hot as the surface of the sun! But I love it!!! Plan to go to the parks early, ride the rides before the sleepyheads get out of bed. Then leave by 1ish and hit the pool before the afternoon rain. The evenings are usually clear again, and the rain has chased the crowds away a little.

Happy- Welcome to the Dis too! The one thing Alicnwondrln forgot about the cabanas: They are great! ENJOY! Oh and if you have kids the cabana staff plays games with the kids and even brings out pool toys for them. Very nice way to spend a day (or even part of one.)

Thank you so much Quick Question What if it rains do they refund your money for the Cabana's ?

 

[JediGFRMickey]

Tonight I found out they are now showing movies at The Grand Floridian at night. From what I was told it is like a camp fire on the beach and one of the inflate able screens. Has anyone been to this camp fire yet? I am planning to come over the summer and my sister & family are there now and said they saw it across the lake from the Poly they had dinner at the Kona cafe, Does anyone know any more info on this. Any help would be great Thank you

 

[michelle1]

I just booked our first stay at GF (first deluxe, also!) for this August Since we have never stayed at a deluxe before, I was a little overwhelmed trying to decide which one so this thread has been extremely helpful!

 

[grannyminnie]

I just booked our first stay at GF (first deluxe, also!) for this August Since we have never stayed at a deluxe before, I was a little overwhelmed trying to decide which one so this thread has been extremely helpful!

Keep reading this thread and you will receive so much help! There are many here who have made several trips, stayed in different buildings, and LOVE the GF!

 

[mandymommy4]

Tonight I found out they are now showing movies at The Grand Floridian at night. From what I was told it is like a camp fire on the beach and one of the inflate able screens. Has anyone been to this camp fire yet? I am planning to come over the summer and my sister & family are there now and said they saw it across the lake from the Poly they had dinner at the Kona cafe, Does anyone know any more info on this. Any help would be great Thank you

Welcome Jedi

The movies are shown everynight at 7..... might change when the time changes this weekend...... just thought of that!

Anyways.... it is shown at 7 and at 6 they sell stuff to make smores..... the movies changes every week but of course they are family friendly and Disney/Pixar!

 

[mandymommy4]

I just booked our first stay at GF (first deluxe, also!) for this August Since we have never stayed at a deluxe before, I was a little overwhelmed trying to decide which one so this thread has been extremely helpful!

Welcome

If you have any questions ask away and one (or a few) of the "experts" will chime in!

 

[mandymommy4]

Great! I dont want to pack anything I dont have to! Not sure what the little ones will want to do while me & DD20 relax.

15 days to our 1st GF trip...and my DH has finally accepted and gotten excited about, thanks to this thread!!!!!! (he wanted to stay at CR)

Don't forget in the afternoons they have fun activity's and even crafts by the pool! I bet your kids might want to get involved with those instead of watching a DVD! Here's a picture i took of the activity's one day!

 

[Mr.FOLs]

Hi, How do you rent a cabana?

Thank you.

Happy

I love the cabanas but do not do what my brother did. he tried to slip the attendant an Abe Lincoln but it didnt get him very far.

Tonight I found out they are now showing movies at The Grand Floridian at night. From what I was told it is like a camp fire on the beach and one of the inflate able screens. Has anyone been to this camp fire yet? I am planning to come over the summer and my sister & family are there now and said they saw it across the lake from the Poly they had dinner at the Kona cafe, Does anyone know any more info on this. Any help would be great Thank you

Oh i would love it if they had 2 showings and the second could be a great snuggle movie for the adults

Welcome Jedi

The movies are shown everynight at 7..... might change when the time changes this weekend...... just thought of that!

You're kidding? We change the clocks this weekend? Good Gravy i had no idea it was time for that already.

 

[PrincessPaczki]

Hi! I have a question for anyone who is going this December. Were there alot of rooms to choose from when you booked or was space limited? My DH wants to go over the holidays and would love to stay in the main building. Thanks!

 

[princessesrule4]

Hi! I have a question for anyone who is going this December. Were there alot of rooms to choose from when you booked or was space limited? My DH wants to go over the holidays and would love to stay in the main building. Thanks!

We always go in December and book by June. That month seems to get more crowded every year! It also depends on which week you are going. The second half of December fills up quickly , although with the economy this year, who knows?

I also remember that I needed to change my RPC dates in August for our December trip. I had a standard RPC room booked. I had to move my trip up a week and I was only able to get a Deluxe RPC room . All standards were booked.
Not sure if I'm helping much, but I would book by summer and then cancel later if you need to, just in case!

 

[Tinker*Shell*Bell]

Jedi- If it is raining in the morning on day of your cabana rental I know they will allow you to cancel with no penalty. If It starts raining during your rental? I have no idea! Good question though. I will try to e-mail someone and find out.

Happy -you can book them 90 days before the day of use. I don't thin you can book 90+10 like dining though- so you would have to call back as each day reached the 90 mark.

I want to go in August- or December- or ANYTIME really! I could be ready to go tomorrow if anyone needs a roommate

 

[k&a&c'smom]

mandymommy4 - Thanks for the photo of the activities board. I'd love to be by the GF pool right now! What is Wii cart, do you know?

PrincessPaczki - we've gone during December, but the week before Christmas, rather than the week after. We were able to book just a couple months ahead of time, but had to take a deluxe - king room, there were no std. or deluxe rooms left.

 

[Happy Camper 222]

Thank you for the help and information.

I love the picture Mandymommy4 posted with the pool in the background.


Happy Camper

 

[PrincessPaczki]

k&a&c'smom and princessesrule4,
Thank you for the helpful answers. I would love to be at the GF for the holidays. The decorations look so beautiful.

 

[mandymommy4]

mandymommy4 - Thanks for the photo of the activities board. I'd love to be by the GF pool right now! What is Wii cart, do you know?

PrincessPaczki - we've gone during December, but the week before Christmas, rather than the week after. We were able to book just a couple months ahead of time, but had to take a deluxe - king room, there were no std. or deluxe rooms left.

The Wii cart is a big thing with four side and it is on wheels and they have 4 Wii video game systems set up for the kids to play!

Last month it was set up in front of the bathrooms/changing house...... kinda in the vicinity if the hair wrapping area.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Thanks, mandymommy4, that sounds cool! I'll bet the kids love being able to play the Wii outside. Although, when I think of my kids and their friends playing video games, I'm a little leery of it being near the pool - they get kinda carried away!